The Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at 妻友社区 will celebrate its fifth anniversary with two feature concert performances by student and faculty musicians.

The concerts will showcase two renowned campus musical groups – The Sound and The Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Both groups will perform Oct. 15 at the Performing Arts Center on the Statesboro Campus and Oct. 16 at the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah.

The Sound is an audition-only ensemble made up of student performers from the Armstrong Campus that focuses on modern performance techniques and musical styles from pop, rock, hip-hop and more. The group is directed by Benjamin Mathews, DMA, the Gretsch Distinguished Scholar of Guitar and Music Industry for the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music. 

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is the most select of the University鈥檚 concert bands, with a membership limited to 50 to 55 of the most accomplished woodwind, brass and percussion student performers on the Statesboro Campus. Members of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble perform repertoire of the highest caliber, representing all musical style periods from the Renaissance through the modern day, featuring works created by the finest composers for the historical and contemporary wind bands. The Ensemble is conducted by Darrell Brown, DMA, director of bands.

Jayson Brown, a junior music major and member of The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, is excited to be a part of the fifth anniversary celebration concerts. 

鈥淚 am most excited to be able to play in a different environment with musicians from the Armstrong Campus,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淓ducationally, I think it is beneficial to be exposed to various genres of music as well as many playing scenarios. I am also excited for the challenges and focus that will come with a shorter rehearsal cycle. The rehearsal process thus far has been incredible. There is so much great music-making going on in the rehearsal room. Dr. Brown is a great conductor, educator and mentor, and the way he meticulously dissects the music always results in beautiful music.鈥�

In February 2021, Georgia Southern received a transformational gift from Fred and Dinah Gretsch. Their $3 million pledge, along with their personal Gretsch Collection of historic guitars, drums and archives, led to the creation of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music, named in their honor. 

鈥淲hat began as a partnership rooted in a shared passion to, as Fred often says, 鈥榖e musical,鈥� has grown into a legacy that continues to shape the future of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music,鈥� said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淔red and Dinah Gretsch believed in our students and in the promise of what we could build together. Five years later, that vision lives on in every note played, every new music educator entering our schools, and in the nationally celebrated reputation of our program.鈥�

鈥�鈥嬧赌�The Gretsch family is incredibly supportive of music education,鈥� Mathews said. 鈥淥ur partnership is generating unprecedented opportunities for music students. Thanks to these gifts and the Gretsch family’s continued involvement, we can provide modern music education at an incredibly high value for students, collaborate and network in innovative ways, and help students jump-start real-world music industry careers鈥嬧赌�.鈥�

Along with the gift, the Gretsch family also donated a collection of instruments, which is included in 鈥淭hat Great Gretsch Sound!鈥� museum, housed in the Plant Riverside District in Savannah. It showcases more than a century of iconic Gretsch instruments, from banjos and early drums to guitars played by legends like George Harrison and Malcolm Young. The Gretsch family also donated three major additions to the archives to the Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections, including Gretsch Company Records, Gretsch Audio-Visual Collection and Musical Industry Reference Collection. 

For the Gretsch family, it鈥檚 all about building a legacy that will stand the test of time.

“In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing to develop and mature the community music program here and being a beacon to the whole U.S. and worldwide as well,鈥� said Fred Gretsch. 鈥淭here are well known schools of music across the country. The one at 妻友社区, a hundred years from now, will absolutely be number one in the world.鈥�

鈥淲e wanted a partner that we could work with to leave our legacy and Georgia Southern has been wonderful to work with,鈥� said Dinah Gretsch. 鈥淲e’ve built a lot of programs and continue to increase what we do today.”

The Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music creates an environment rich in musical diversity with endless opportunities. The School of Music offers a variety of ensembles ranging from bands, choirs and orchestras to commercial music, jazz, opera and chamber ensembles. 

鈥淲ith their gift, the Gretsches enabled a historic Department of Music to look forward to a greater future, with the finest faculty, students and facilities,鈥� Chair of the School of Music Terre Johnson, Ph.D., said. 鈥淎s a result, in the last five years, the Gretsch School of Music has seen record growth on both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses, as well as international recognition for its ensembles.鈥�
Both concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music homepage.

The 妻友社区 Performing Arts Center (PAC) 2025-26 Main Stage Series kicks off in October, and features a season full of performances from national ensembles to student productions to holiday favorites and family-friendly performances beginning this fall.

鈥淭o the community, I would like to welcome everyone through our doors once again for another season that is PAC-ked with programming,” Daniel Brown, director of the Performing Arts Center. “I am confident that this year will be one of the most exciting to date.鈥�

The season opens Oct. 29 with the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers鈥� Chorus. Founded in 1946 and 1957, respectively, the Field Band and Soldiers鈥� Chorus are the oldest and largest of the U.S. Army Field Band鈥檚 performing components. The ensembles will present a program ranging from masterworks and operatic arias to Sousa marches, jazz classics and Broadway favorites. The concert is free, but tickets .

A few weeks later, the Georgia Southern Theatre program and the Performing Arts Center will present Shakespeare鈥檚 鈥淎s You Like It鈥� Nov. 13-15. The comedy explores themes of love, identity and transformation. General admission tickets are $20; Georgia Southern student, faculty and staff tickets are $10.

On Nov. 20, the holiday season kicks off with 鈥淚 Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.鈥� The musical follows seven-year-old Lois Jean, who believes a baby hippo named Bella can bring her family together for Christmas. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

The PAC’s season continues in 2026 with playing host to a night unlike any other with 鈥淐andlelight Celtic.鈥� Surrounded by the warm glow of more than 1,000 candles, the audience will be immersed in a one-of-a-kind enchanting atmosphere filled with the soul-stirring melodies of Ireland. This event was created by the 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance, Scott Doherty, and worldwide touring Irish musician Chris Smith. The show takes place on March 2, and tickets range from $10 to $25.

From April 9 to 11, a Pulitzer-winning drama comes to the PAC. 鈥淪weat鈥� by Lynn Nottage tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets and laughter while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends find themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight to stay afloat. General admission tickets are $20; Georgia Southern student, faculty and staff tickets are $10. 鈥淪weat鈥� is recommended for patrons ages 13 and up due to strong language and some violence.

School Matinee Series

The PAC鈥檚 is expanding this year to include 12 educational touring shows in collaboration with theater companies and Georgia Southern Theatre students. Tickets are $5, and bookings are available through pac@georgiasouthern.edu.

The series begins Oct. 8 with Washington Irving鈥檚 classic 鈥淭he Legend of Sleepy Hollow,鈥� recommended for grades 4 and up. A is available for audiences.

On Oct. 10, 鈥淣ew Kid鈥� tells the story of an immigrant family navigating a new culture. On Oct. 21, Bright Star鈥檚 comic duo Lenny and Mabel bring 鈥淧eter Pan鈥� to life in a play within a play. The show is recommended for Pre-K through grade 3.

Additional matinee shows include:

• Halloween Carnival 鈥� Oct. 21
• As You Like It 鈥� Nov. 13
• I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas 鈥� Nov. 20
• George Washington Carver & Friends 鈥� Jan. 12
• The Life of Dr. King 鈥� Jan. 13
• Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show 鈥� Jan. 20
• Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History 鈥� Jan. 21
• Jack鈥檚 Adventure in American History 鈥� March 25
• Game Show USA 鈥� March 26
• Winnie the Pooh 鈥� April 21

Additional events

The PAC will also host free events, including concerts by the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music and student film festivals and premieres from the Department of Communication Arts.

Tickets go on sale to the general public Sept. 15, including students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased , at the PAC鈥檚 Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. or over the phone at (912) 478-7999. Additional questions can be answered by emailing pac@georgiasouthern.edu.

The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers鈥� Chorus will open the PAC 2025-2026 season on Oct. 29.

The , 妻友社区鈥檚 premier choral ensemble, continues to reach new heights in international competitions. The group took third place in the in the Netherlands, which was held from May 29 through June 1. The prestigious festival featured 10 choirs from eight countries, including the U.S., Sweden, Slovenia and other European countries.聽

鈥淚 could not be prouder of these students,鈥� said Shannon Jeffreys, D.M.A., director of Choral Activities at Georgia Southern. 鈥淭hey sang with such passion, musical precision and sincerity. Every note came from the heart. On that stage, they weren鈥檛 just performing music; they were telling stories, sharing their souls and lifting up the very best of what choral music can be.鈥�

Jeffreys said each student brought something unique and beautiful to the experience, but two students made special additions by having their own songs featured in their performances. Ryan Fruchtl and James Rowell are both in their third year with the group. Motivated by Jeffreys to write their own works, the students’ European debuts are the results of years’ worth of effort.

鈥淲e had been talking in her office one day about writing something,鈥� Rowell said. 鈥淲e were brainstorming what could be used during the competition, and we settled on something that could be sung in a cathedral. I showed her a piece, and she said, 鈥楲et鈥檚 go with it!鈥欌��

Rowell鈥檚 song, 鈥淪omnambulism,鈥� which means 鈥渟leepwalking,鈥� served as the prelude to their other competition pieces. And as fate would have it, it would eventually be sung in a cathedral while on the tour.

Fruchtl鈥檚 piece, 鈥淢y Faith Still Holds,鈥� features two male solo parts, but neither of them are performed by Fruchtl himself. As Jeffreys auditioned students, everyone had an opportunity to try out for the roles. 

鈥淚鈥檓 really good friends with the soloists,鈥� said Fruchtl. 鈥淚f I鈥檓 being honest, I really had Paul and Bret, who ultimately performed the piece, in mind for the solos when I wrote it. They鈥檙e just incredible.鈥�

Chorale, made up of 35 students, has been performing in competitive and noncompetitive venues for the past week throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Between performances, the students have explored local historic and cultural locations across Amsterdam and other areas.

鈥淥pportunities like this one鈥攚here students engage at the highest level on an international stage鈥攁re transformative,鈥� said Jeffreys. 鈥淭hey grow as artists, as musicians and as people. It builds confidence, deepens their understanding of other cultures and shows them just how powerful music can be in connecting people across the world. I have so much love and admiration for each of them. What they achieved together is something they鈥檒l carry for a lifetime鈥攁nd so will I.鈥�

The trip was supported and sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and College of Arts and Humanities Office of the Dean.

In 2022, in Berlin, Germany. Their global success also earned the singers national recognition as named a in 2024.

妻友社区’s Southern Chorale secured the sixth position in ,” a resounding testament to its musical prowess.  Directed by Shannon Jeffreys, DMA, professor of music and director of choral activities, the Southern Chorale has garnered acclaim not only nationally but also on the international stage.

With a repertoire spanning various styles and periods, the Southern Chorale has become a sought-after performer at music conferences across the United States, including appearances at the National Collegiate Choral Organization, American Choral Directors Association and National Association for Music Education.

Jeffreys is immensely proud of her choral students and their recent achievements. 

鈥淭heir dedication and hard work, evident in every performance from international competitions to national conferences to our everyday rehearsals, fill me with pride as they represent 妻友社区 with excellence,鈥� said Jeffreys. 鈥淚n Southern Chorale, we foster a supportive family environment where high standards are maintained and mutual encouragement flourishes. One of the things that makes Southern Chorale stand out is our deep passion for the texts and music we present.”

Students in the group say the secret sauce for the Chorale鈥檚 success is a recipe of inclusivity and community, adding that every voice is valued and every member is embraced for their unique contributions.

鈥淐horale places a strong emphasis on collaboration and ensemble unity as essential components of storytelling through music,鈥� said Amare McJolly, voice area graduate assistant. 鈥淲e recognize that music is a universal language that transcends words, allowing us to communicate emotions and experiences in ways that words alone cannot.鈥�

In 2022, the Southern Chorale clinched first place in their sixth international choral competition at the 鈥淪ing Berlin Choral Competition.鈥� Three years earlier, they were successful in the Ave Verum International Choir Competition in Austria and the International Chamber Choir Competition in Germany.

鈥淧reparing for these performances pushes us to be the best we can be,鈥� said Sarah McHan, Southern Invitational choral assistant. 鈥淚nternational travel gives us a glimpse into other cultures. These experiences grow our network amongst musicians and introduce us to the choral traditions of other countries.鈥�

Attending 妻友社区 at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah has allowed Jones to pursue her life鈥檚 passions in a city booming with music. In recent years, the city has seen an expansion of performative spaces, including in Savannah鈥檚 Plant Riverside, which is home to

On-campus, the multifaceted requirements, which include lessons, recitals and attendance at numerous concerts, keeps Jones鈥� schedule full with all the elements of the industry she loves.

And soon, she will be able to show her talents in a series of upcoming Georgia Southern ensemble concerts at the Armstrong Campus Fine Arts Auditorium in Savannah. 

The concert series will begin with the Contemporary Vocal Ensemble on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and continue with the Commercial Music Ensemble on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The final performance will showcase the Percussion Ensemble on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. 

The Contemporary Vocal Ensemble is made up of undergraduate music majors and non-majors. They sing popular musicare sometimes accompanied by a student-led rhythm section.

Notably, the Armstrong Percussion Ensemble will conclude its concert with music from the Super Mario Galaxy Wii series. Video of gameplay will accompany the group鈥檚 performance.

General admission tickets are $6. However, students, faculty and staff are free with Eagle ID. Tickets can be purchased online .

妻友社区 College of Arts and Humanities and the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music will host Joe Robinson in concert on March 22 on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. 

Born and raised into a musical family in Australia, Robinson began playing guitar when he was nine years old. At age 13, he won the Australian National Songwriting Competition, and at 15, he released his first collection of original material. A monumental achievement followed a year later when he won first place on the 鈥淎ustralia鈥檚 Got Talent鈥� television show.

Since then, he has developed a worldwide touring career, performing across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, China and Australia.

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited to be performing in Savannah,鈥� said Robinson. 鈥淚 really appreciate the laid-back Georgia people. The vibe in some ways reminds me of the folks I grew up around in coastal and rural Australia.鈥�

He continued, 鈥淭he Gretsch family have been longtime friends and great supporters of mine and to perform in support of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music is a great honor! Due to the demand for my online livestreams and educational programs, I am not touring very much this year. So, this will be a special evening. I鈥檓 really looking forward to it.鈥�

Robinson has garnered high praise and prestigious awards from the international music community.

Voted 鈥淏est New Talent鈥� in the Guitar Player Readers鈥� Poll, Robinson鈥檚 talents were further recognized by Guitar Player magazine as part of a cover story titled 鈥淵outhquake 2017: Ten Mind Blowing Young Guitarists.鈥� In the article, Guitar Player called Robinson 鈥渆qually mind-blowing as an acoustic fingerpicker and electric soloist鈥is YouTube videos display an astounding combination of taste, speed, cagey phrasing, and a clear, articulate and sparking tone.鈥�

Joe Robinson will be in concert in Georgia Southern鈥檚 Armstrong Campus Fine Arts Auditorium on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 and student tickets are $5. More information can be found at .

Jackson Murray and Isabella Wallace first met in seventh grade in Summerville, South Carolina. Murray was a soccer player who had recently moved from Washington state. He didn鈥檛 have much interest in singing, but did grow up in a family that appreciated the arts.

Wallace, meanwhile, has been singing for her entire life. Her mother is a music instructor, and was even their music teacher for two years of middle school. Over the years the two became close friends, and soon they will finish their college careers worthy of a Hollywood finale.

Despite having vastly different starting points for their musical development, they will walk off campus with the type of curtain call only two friends can share. During Tuesday鈥檚 commencement ceremony in Statesboro, Georgia, the duo’s decade-long friendship will be center stage. Selected for an ultimate honor, they will have their final Georgia Southern performance of the national anthem at their graduation together.

But how did their friendship start in middle school?

The two met in seventh grade. Murray was a soccer player and had little interest in singing. Wallace grew up in a house of musicians.

鈥淚 convinced Jackson to join the chorus at a Halloween party,鈥� Wallace said. 鈥淗e came dressed up as a soccer player because he just threw on some soccer gear. My mom and I told him he should join the chorus, and we somehow convinced him and he loved it.鈥�

However, he proved to be a tough sell at first. He says he began singing in eighth grade because, like many high school students, he was required to take fine arts classes.

鈥淚 hated drawing and I did not want to learn an instrument,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ell, I guess I’ll go with the chorus, because they go on trips. I made it a hobby at that point.鈥�

But it would soon become much more than a hobby. Murray eventually hung up his cleats to dedicate more time to performance. Throughout his entire high school career, he continued to perform alongside his friend, Wallace.

The duo continued to perform together when they enrolled at 妻友社区. They loved the campus and the opportunities within the Eagle fine arts communities, and the tuition waiver for in-state rates cemented their decision to come to Georgia Southern. They received those waiver emails just before taking the stage in their high school performance of Hairspray.  Wallace said she doesn鈥檛 remember the performance, but she does remember getting the exciting news with Murray backstage.

When they took their first steps on campus as members of Eagle Nation, they both said the hard work began.

Both Murray and Wallace said it took discussions with friends and reaching breaking points to finally re-examine their commitments. Shortly thereafter, they began to dial back the workload to refocus on the quality of their work and enjoy the experiences. This was an investment worth making.

After taking a new approach to their college experiences, they began taking leadership roles within their choruses and groups. Additionally, they were able to actually experience the places their work had taken them.

During their time with Eagle Nation, their groups won two international singing competitions. The Southern Chorale took two separate trips to Germany over the past four years. The first time, the students said, was focused on competition. This last time in spring 2022, while still victorious in their respective categories, they were more dedicated to enjoy their time overseas. The students credit their instructors with giving them such worldly adventures.

鈥淚t’s incredibly rewarding to know that we have professors that care as much as they do and will go to bat for us and advocate for us as strongly as they do,鈥� Wallace said. 鈥淚 can’t think of a single professor that I have right now that would not go to bat for me and they treat us in a way that makes you feel like you matter.鈥�

Traditionally, there is only one performer to sing the national anthem and alma mater for commencement. But this year, Georgia Southern will be shaking that up. The faculty members in charge of picking the singers recognized the bond Murray and Wallace have had throughout their careers. To acknowledge this, they elected to have them both  sing side by side.

鈥淗onestly, I laughed when I saw that email because it’s like out of a movie,鈥� Wallace said. 鈥淚t’s fun because we came in together, and we get to leave together.鈥�

Life can be rather cyclical, especially in unlikely ways. 

Murray, who originally agreed to join the middle school chorus because of the trips, is now a music teacher himself. He said he found his passion for music as well as instructors who inspired him to be a leader himself.

Both Murray and Wallace named Shannon Jeffreys, DMA, director of choral activities, as their biggest influence during their time at Georgia Southern. She made trips to Summerville to visit them as high school students. These efforts not only helped bring the duo to Statesboro, but it also built a strong connection among the three.

鈥淚 would not be the leader I am today without these wonderful examples,鈥� Murray said. 鈥淭he people at the Office of Admissions and the choral department here are fantastic and professional. They do the things for professional development, not for themselves, but for their students, for their workers and for their employees.鈥�

Two kids from a small town in South Carolina. One of them is into sports and the other is the daughter of a music teacher. For one last time, they showcase their talent 妻友社区.

Allen Henderson, D.M.A., professor of music in the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at 妻友社区, has been recognized by two national organizations for his significant role in the voice industry.

The Voice Foundation presented Henderson with the 2022 Voice Education Research Awareness (VERA) Award for his 鈥渙utstanding contributions to the field of voice.鈥� He received the award in Philadelphia as part of the foundation鈥檚 annual symposium. The award honors unique leaders who have enhanced appreciation for the human voice, and recognizes those who have a dedication to excellence, education or mentorship. The award also acknowledges role models in voice use and advancement.

The Voice Foundation praised Henderson鈥檚 efforts to integrate the worlds of voice science and voice pedagogy, and commended the way Henderson incorporated expert opinion and guidance into thoughtful policy decisions.

鈥淚 am honored and humbled,鈥� Henderson said. 鈥淚t was a total surprise for this distinguished body to recognize me for my work. Congrats to my fellow awardees rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, baritone Vladimir Chernov and Brazilian broadcaster William Bonner,  who have all given so much to the professional voice community.鈥�

A month later, the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) awarded Henderson the IMPACT Award for his exceptional and unwavering dedication to the organization, and for the significant impact his leadership, initiative and achievements have made on the association during its 57th national conference in Chicago. NATS is the world鈥檚 largest professional association of voice and collaborative pianists with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada and more than 35 other countries. Members represent all music styles and work in independent studios, community schools, elementary and secondary schools, higher education or in the medical field.

Henderson has been a major contributor to both the Voice Foundation and NATS for decades. In addition to his academic appointment, he has served as executive director of NATS since 2008, and prior to his current appointment, was involved with the organization for 15 years. 

The Georgia Southern Chorale, a choir of 30 students from 妻友社区鈥檚 Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music, earned top spots in an international choir competition this week in Germany. The group鈥檚 scores were nearly perfect, and the highest scores in the Chorale鈥檚 history in this particular competition.

As part of a 14-day trip to Germany, the students participated in the 鈥淪ing Berlin!鈥� International Choir Competition & Festival featuring professional, university and community choirs from around the world. The choir qualified thanks to success in previous international competitions.

鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of the Georgia Southern Chorale,鈥� said John Kraft, Ph.D., interim dean for the College of Arts and Humanities. 鈥淭heir performance in Germany was world class. They truly deserve their accolades.”

Jeffreys said she鈥檚 not only impressed with the talent of the team, but the camaraderie the members share. Many of the students haven鈥檛 participated in a trip like this before, but the students acted as diplomats for their school.

鈥淭his choir this year is incredible not only in singing and spirit, but also unity,鈥� Jeffreys said. 鈥淏eing together in a small group like this for two weeks can be difficult, but I鈥檓 so proud of how they鈥檝e gotten along and diversified their friend groups and have gotten to know each other.鈥�

The choir departed for Germany on July 4 and returned July 17.

For more information about the Georgia Southern Chorale and their trip, visit .

The Georgia Southern Chorale, a choir of 30 students from 妻友社区, is preparing for a 14-day trip to Germany that begins on July 4. While there, the students will participate in the 鈥淪ing Berlin!鈥� international choir competition, featuring professional, university and community choirs from around the world. The choir qualified thanks to success in previous international competitions.

鈥淲hen I came to Georgia Southern about 10 years ago, one of the things that I really wanted our choral program to do was represent our university on a national and global scale,鈥� said Shannon Jeffreys, D.M.A., director of Choral Activities. 鈥淥ne of the ways we could do that was through these international choral contests, and our students get a better world view and see art and architecture from all over the world.鈥�

This competition continues a Georgia Southern legacy of connecting its students to international markets. For some in the group, this trip creates unlikely bookends for their collegiate careers.

Jackson Murray, a senior with a double major in music education and vocal performance, competed in the Chorale鈥檚 competitions in Austria and southern Germany during his freshman year. They won a gold diploma in their category that year. Murray said he鈥檚 looking forward to capitalizing on what he missed during his first time in the country.

鈥淚 focused too much on the competition,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hen if things didn’t go our way, it affected me more. I think this time, while I’m going to have fun for the competition, I’m here to enjoy my last summer as a college student before real life kicks in.鈥�

While in Germany, the Chorale will visit Leipzig, the center of Bach’s activities in the early 18th century, following the footsteps of Felix Mendelssohn through Dresden and Berlin. In addition, they will visit Martin Luther University in Halle, the birthplace of H盲ndel. The trip will end in Hamburg where the Chorale will perform at the Harbor Festival with the German Federal police in L眉beck. 

Unlike previous years, students didn鈥檛 have to ask themselves if they could afford such an experience. Thanks to a grant from the Halle Foundation and financial support from the Georgia Southern Student Government, all members of the Chorale will travel at no cost. 

鈥淚t’s really a life-changing trip,鈥� said Murray. 鈥淣ow that money is not the problem, I don’t know if there’s a word to describe it. I’m just forever grateful for the Foundation and for our student government association. It’s one of those feelings of pride that our university is able to do something like this for our students.鈥�

Jeffreys鈥� husband is German, and in the coming weeks, she鈥檚 excited to explore a country dear to her heart with her students. She is also eager to showcase the musical ensemble鈥檚 exemplary abilities.

鈥淚 look forward to putting the student鈥檚 talents and hard work on the international stage for 妻友社区,鈥� said Jeffreys.

The Southern Chorale will perform a Competition Send-off Concert on Thursday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carol A. Carter Recital Hall on the Statesboro Campus.